Nebraska’s first injury report for the Maryland game brought a little bit of everything, and the biggest headline landed where the Huskers least wanted it: Jamal Rule is doubtful.
Rule, Nebraska’s starting running back, might not be available Saturday. That leaves the backfield in a different shape, even if the Huskers have options ready to step in. Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee are there to handle the load, and the matchup helps, too, with Maryland having struggled to stop the run.
There was more injury news beyond Rule. Jacory Barney was knocked out of the Michigan State game and showed up as questionable on the report.
Offensive lineman Brendan Black was listed as probable, which points to a good chance he plays. If Black can’t go, Nebraska has already shown one way it may line things up: Gibson Pyle filled in for him last week, while Gunnar Gottula could also move inside and Tree Babalade could take over at right tackle.
On the recruiting front, Nebraska appears to be facing an uphill battle for 5-star 2027 target Ahmad Hudson. Sam Spiegelman of Rivals made predictions on recruits who have been the focus of flip attempts, and Hudson was among them.
He had been expected to visit Nebraska this fall, but that trip may no longer happen. LSU has already hosted him twice this fall, and that has the feel of a program that has done enough to hold onto him.
Still, if Matt Rhule can get Hudson back to Lincoln for a game, there’s always a chance to change the picture.
Nebraska volleyball has a major test of its own Thursday night, with a trip to 16th-ranked Penn State. First serve is set for 6 p.m. central on the Big Ten Network. Andi Jackson enters the matchup fresh off winning both the Big Ten and National Player of the Week honors, and Nebraska will take its 13-0, 2-0 record into one of the toughest environments on its schedule.
In Other News...
Nebraska Faces New Availability Concern Ahead Of Maryland
A short week has Nebraska sorting through its latest availability questions before Maryland, with the injury report carrying real weight for a roster that already took hits in the previous game. Running back Jamal Rule is listed as doubtful after leaving that contest and not returning, while wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. is also among the players the Cornhuskers are monitoring after exiting early.
There is a bit more stability elsewhere, with safety Rex Guthrie and offensive lineman Brendan Black both tagged probable, but the list still includes several players who are out or doubtful heading into the matchup. For Nebraska, the concern is less about one missing piece than how many moving parts remain as it tries to line up on both sides of the ball against Maryland. [Read more 🡒]
Maryland Just Got A New Wrinkle In Nebraskas Offensive Outlook
Nebraskas offensive picture got a little clearer and a little cloudier at the same time after the latest injury report ahead of the Maryland game. Freshman running back Jamal Rule is listed as doubtful, junior wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. is questionable, and junior offensive lineman Brendan Black is probable, giving the Cornhuskers a mixed read on who might be available when they take the field.
The more significant concern is at tight end, where junior Carter Nelson is listed as out and expected to miss an extended period. For a Nebraska offense trying to piece together its weekly plan, losing a player with that kind of timeline changes more than just one game-day lineup, and it adds another layer of uncertainty entering a conference matchup that already demanded close attention. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska Faces A Dangerous Maryland Test Despite That Ugly Final Score
A lopsided loss can sometimes distort how a team is viewed the next week, and Marylands 54-3 defeat to UCLA is a reminder that Nebraska is not getting a soft landing by any stretch. The Cornhuskers are still preparing for a road test against a Terps team that has already shown defensive strengths, even if the scoreboard from last Saturday looked ugly from start to finish.
Michael Locksley spent the aftermath addressing frustrated fans and noting his routine meeting with the athletic director, while Maryland quarterback Malik Washingtons four interceptions became the most glaring part of the setback. Nebraska has injury concerns of its own to manage, but this matchup still carries the feel of a trap for a team that has to stay sharp against an opponent that may look wounded and dangerous at the same time. [Read more 🡒]